Defensive driving courses are highly recommended for new drivers because they teach how to prevent accidents. But is taking classes really a good investment? We did the math and the results are in: taking defensive driving can save you hundreds of dollars in the long haul. Keep reading as we break down costs and discounts.
How Much Does Defensive Driving Cost?
How much you'll pay for your defensive driving classes depends on where you live:
Alaska: $31.95
Alabama: $35.95
California: $24.95
Colorado: $34.95
Delaware: $14.95
Florida: $25.90
Georgia: $30.00
Idaho: $17.95
Indiana: $55.95
Louisianna: $36.95
Michigan: $39.00
Missouri: $24.95
North Carolina: $62.95
North Dakota: $35.00
New Jersey: $30.95
New Mexico: $34.95
Nevada: $16.95
New York: $48.95
Ohio: $47.95
Oklahoma: $30.95
Oregon: $49.95
South Carolina: $43.95
Tennessee: $39.00
Texas: $30.95
Virginia: $34.95
Washington: $59.95
Wisconsin: $96.95
Defensive Driving Puts Money Back Into Your Pocket
Defensive driving was designed to save lives and that's certainly a massive plus, but there's also a financial benefit hidden here.
Slash Your Auto Insurance Payments
Many insurance companies reward customers who take defensive driving classes with discounts. You can check with your insurance provider to find out their requirements and potential savings.
Take, for example, a South Carolina driver insured through Geico — who, on average, charges $1,142 annually. If they complete a defensive driving course, they can get a 10% discount and save $114.20 per year. And since classes only cost $43.95 in this Southern state, they'll pay for themselves in just five months.
We can do the math for other states and insurance companies, too. New Jersey insurers aren't as generous with their discounts, but drivers here still get a good deal. If a driver in the Garden State is insured through State Farm (meaning they pay around $1,637 annually) and aces a defensive driving course, they're eligible for a 5% discount. It may not seem like much, but after seven months, the $30.95 course will have paid for itself.
The takeaway is simple: don't be put off by the sticker price of your defensive driving lessons. They often pay for themselves in less than a year, and the savings don't stop. After 24 months, you could have a few hundred dollars extra in your bank account.
Online Lessons Save You Even More!
Most states give you two options: take defensive driving in person at a school or take it online. They each have their benefits but online gives you even greater saving opportunities:
Save on gas: If you take classes at home, you don't need to waste gas driving to a traffic school.
Save on parking: Taking your car downtown to a traffic school is a hassle, especially if you're in a city and need to pay for parking.
Save your time: No need to take time off work (lost wages) or waste your precious paid time off (PTO) to make it to class. Online lessons are often self-paced, meaning you can take them whenever you have the time.
Learn and Save with Defensive Driving
Who knew spending just a few hours learning how to be a better driver could have so many great perks? From potentially saving your life in a dangerous situation to putting a few hundred dollars back into your pocket, defensive driving lessons are an all-around wise idea. And you can find an affordable course that's approved in your state today all from the comforts of your home!
